JAY A. BECK

Born in Wheeling West Virginia on July 30, 1947, a son of the late Arthur and L. Geraldine Craig Beck.

A third-generation licensed funeral director and embalmer, Jay was a devoted member of his community and a cherished figure in the lives of many. Jay’s journey in the funeral service profession began as a teenager helping his father around the funeral home. Following his high school graduation he received his formal education from Ohio Northern University and Point Park University and eventually graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. After successful completion of his Funeral Director and Embalmer apprenticeship, Jay became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in 1971. He took immense pride in his professional career, having owned Beck Funeral Home until its acquisition by Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory in 1993. He then served as the Funeral Director, Embalmer and Funeral Service Manager for Beck-Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory, which later became CARE Funeral and Cremation Specialists in 2019.

Jay’s dedication to his profession was recognized when he received his 50-year award from the Ohio Funeral Directors Association in 2021, honoring his long-standing commitment to serving his community. He was also an active participant in numerous professional associations, including the Ohio Funeral Directors Association and the Belmont County Funeral Directors Association.

Beyond his professional life, Jay was deeply engaged with his community. He was a longstanding member of Thoburn United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir, and served as an usher. His love for social engagement was evident in his over 50-year membership at the Belmont Hills Country Club and affiliations with the Stone Chimney Club as a founding member and Sons of the American Legion Post 159, the Masonic Lodge and the Saints Club.

Above all, Jay was a devoted family man. He found great joy in being actively involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He never knew a stranger, always welcoming others with warmth and kindness.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife and high school sweetheart whom he married on August 17, 1968, Trudy Marlene Biernot Beck, on February 13, 2022.

Left to cherish his memory include his children; Brant A. (Dr. Jackie Senott) Beck of Murrells Inlet, SC, Dena M. Beck of St. Clairsville, Ohio, and Griffith J.Beck of St. Clairsville, Ohio. Grandchildren; Jay Tilden Beck, Easton Arthur Beck, Macey Marlene Gross, Halle Lou Beck, John Reagan Beck, Lydia Gale Gross, as well as his brother, Monty Beck of Alliance Ohio.

His legacy of service, dedication, and love will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

Family and friends will be received at the Thoburn United Methodist Church, 209 East Main Street on Friday May 29, 2026 from 10am until time of funeral services at 1pm. Jay will be laid to rest privately next to his beloved wife in Union Cemetery, St. Clairsville.

Arrangements entrusted to CARE Funeral & Cremation Specialist, 204 West Main Street St. Clairsville Ohio 43950.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Thoburn United Methodist Church by going to TMCFunding.com.